Catharine Maria Sedgwick Online Letters

NewYork -- 5 June -- 1825 --

I am grieved my dear Frances by the long continuance of your silence -- I have not heard one word from you since Mr Watson came down -- -- Mr Bleecker is in town, & has called once, but I didnot see him -- -- I hear from Stockbridge that Catharine is satisfied and pleased with her situation, & I trust my dear Frances that in her advantage you find consolation for the terrible loss of her society & help --

Both you and Catharine must have been shocked at the intelligence of our good George's death, & both must have lamented the loss of a valued friend -- He was himself totally unconscious of his danger -- and we were all insensible to it -- When he left us, he walked from Broadway to the boat, & expected confidently to return in a few days -- I have regretted deeply that we should have been so unapprehensive that he was, I esteem a mercy, for I beleive that God in mercy shelters his children from a view of this fearful passage where they have not strength to look upon it without dismay -- George's life has been a continual preparation for this event, & I beleive his passions and feelings were in that obedient and happy state that he was 2 ready for the summons of his Lord -- What an admonition is there in the quietness we feel in regarding the death of a faithful disciple! -- George has left many friends here beyond our family circle -- -- He was highly esteemed in Mr Spring's church -- and has left his memorial there --

We have had Eliza Cabot here for a few days, and have enjoyed her sweet society as much as it is possible to enjoy such a blessing in this hurly-burly City -- -- I often wished my dear Sister that you whose heart naturally unfolds to such celestial influences could have shared with us the happiness that is defused by a mind so elevated -- so full of holy feeling -- & benevolent purpose -- so purified from the dross of the world -- so above the world -- This is not rhapsody -- -- I feel with Eliza the presence of a superior spirit -- the reality of what I long and sometimes resolve to be but what I am far from attaining --

Charles Elizabeth and little Kate leave us today -- They have been detained since Saturday by the storm -- We have enjoyed their visit, as much as it is possible where there are so many claims on the time, & such various objects that must be attended to -- The City is thronged with strangers -- and it is our misfortuned to know 3 people from all quarters, & to be obliged to give some portion of time where there is no benefit to be conferred or gained -- If I were to live my life over one of the numberless errata I would try to correct would be contracting multifarious acquaintances and friendships -- -- -- --

Mr Bryant is established here, & is editing a review 1 jointly with Doctor Anderson -- I am a subscriber -- and shall send the numbers to you as fast as they come out, & when you have read them I wish you would send them to S -- -- -- Will you write to Robert to whose care they shall be addressed at Albany -- It would be convenient to have some place of deposit in illegible South Market Street which would be in the way of persons going up from the boat -- -- I shall send this to the care of R M Meigs --

I expect to leave here for Boston on Thursday & I hope to be at home about the first of July -- I wish my dear Frances you would write to me at Boston -- and address the letter to the care of Wm Minot Esqre -- Sister Jane is just now confined to her nursery -- her children colds -- -- Elizth is not yet able 4 to leave her room, & barely crawls from her bed to her easy-chair -- -- Her baby is very thriving -- I think as large & fine a child as I have ever seen --

Jane has brought me a pack of Harry's clothes, (and I presum -- the principal part of his wardrobe) I have sewed them up and directed them to R M Meigs -- The review is with them --

My dearest Sister do not permit such a deathlike suspension of our intercourse -- remember me very aff'y to all -- & beleive me

ever